Best Neighborhoods in Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu is the capital and most populous city in Hawaii. It is also the southernmost city in the United States. Additionally, Honolulu is the major financial center in the Pacific Region. The name Honolulu means place of shelter. With its tropical climate and sandy beaches, Mercer ranked Honolulu as 29th worldwide in quality of living.

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Sports

Crime Rate

The crime rate in Honolulu is comparable to other major cities. The crime rate is most high in the metropolitan area.

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown is the governmental, financial and commercial epicenter of Honolulu. Downtown is the historic capital of Honolulu and many of its buildings have been designated National Historic Landmarks. The First Hawaiian Center, the tallest building on the island, is located downtown, and Hawaii Pacific University's downtown campus is there as well. The housing stock in the downtown area is reflective of other metropolitan areas, with converted lofts, condos and apartments available.

Manoa is a residential neighborhood and a valley in the city. Manoa is the site of the first coffee and sugar plantations in the city of Honolulu. Because of the daily rain the valley receives, the area is lush with greenery. The homes in Manoa are low rise condominiums single family homes built before the 60's. The University of Hawaii at Manoa makes its home in the valley as well. There are a number of public and private institutions in the community. The Manoa Marketplace is the main shopping area.

Kalihi is a neighborhood flanked by downtown Honolulu. Kalili use to be a receiving station for people who were suspected to have leprosy. The receiving station has long since been dispersed of, however. Kalihi stream has carved the landscape of Kahili valley. The lower valley is primarily residential and has a great deal of tract housing. As you move closer to the beach, the landscape and activities become more water activity focused. There are schools in the area, both public and private, to accommodate the needs of families.

Waikiki is a neighborhood on the south shore of the island. Waikiki Beach, a resident of the community, is known for its panoramic views. Previously a retreat for Hawaiian dignitaries, Waikiki today is filled with hotels and activities for the many tourists to participate in. Not only does the neighborhood benefit from Waikiki beach and the many recreational activities it provides, but Waikiki has an exceptional shopping and retail district for the residents and visitors of Waikiki to enjoy. The Waikiki neighborhood is served by the Hawaii Department of Education.

Palolo, like many neighborhoods in Honolulu is as much a valley as a neighborhood. But what is different about Palolo is that itís also a stream. Palolo is approximately 4 miles from downtown Honolulu. Kauu Crater, an extinct volcano in the mountainous region, is located in the Palolo community. Palolo has an active neighborhood board who work to ensure government is working in the best interest of their beloved community.

Chinatown in Honolulu is one of the oldest Chinatown's in the United States. This distinctive neighborhood houses the Hawaii Theatre, which was restored in the 1990's after the entirety of the Chinatown area was ravaged by fire earlier in the century. The Hawaii Theatre continues to be a popular venue for concerts and stage shows. Chinatown Gateway Park provides recreational activities for the residents of Chinatown.

Kahala is a small neighborhood that features some of the most amazing beach front properties in Honolulu. Kahala is the home to many multi million dollar estates and a number of celebrities have vacation homes in the neighborhood. Kahala is within 15 minutes of downtown by car. The beaches of Kahala are more exclusive and are rarely crowded with tourists. There are great schools, both public and private, for the families in the neighborhood to take advantage of.

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